Spices Origins: Lusitano

🇵🇹 Lusitano Seasoning: The Essence of Portuguese Flavour

From garlic-rich marinades to smoky grilled meats, Lusitano seasoning captures the bold, earthy soul of Portuguese cuisine. Rooted in ancient Roman tradition and enriched by global exploration, this spice blend brings the taste of Portugal straight to your kitchen.


🌿 What Is Lusitano Seasoning?

While not always sold as a ready-made product, authentic Lusitano seasoning blends classic Mediterranean and Portuguese staples:

  • 🧄 Garlic

  • 🌿 Bay leaf

  • 🌶️ Smoked paprika

  • 🌶️ Piri-piri chillies

  • 🫒 Olive oil

  • 🍷 White wine or vinegar

You’ll find this blend in iconic dishes like Portuguese grilled chicken, stews, and roasts—delivering deep flavour with rustic simplicity.


🏛️ Roman Roots and Local Herbs

The origins of Lusitano seasoning go back to Ancient Roman Lusitania, where herbs such as:

  • Rosemary

  • Oregano

  • Garlic

were used in daily cooking. These herbs still season staples like:

  • Bacalhau (salt cod)

  • Caldo verde (green soup)

🌱 The use of native herbs reflects timeless techniques that endure in modern Portuguese kitchens.


🌍 Age of Exploration: A Global Spice Legacy

In the 15th century, Portuguese explorers set sail for the East and West, returning with:

  • Cinnamon

  • Cloves

  • Black pepper

  • Nutmeg

These spices brought global complexity to traditional Portuguese dishes. You can taste this fusion in recipes such as:

  • 🍗 Portuguese grilled chicken

  • 🐟 Bacalhau (salt cod)

  • 🍲 Portuguese stew

  • 🍚 Spiced rice with herbs

✨ Lusitano seasoning is a culinary bridge between Roman tradition and global spice influence.


🧂 Spice Meets Simplicity

Even with its global spice heritage, Portuguese cooking remains grounded in humble flavours:

  • Garlic

  • Olive oil

  • Local herbs

Classic dishes like roasted potatoes or grilled seafood showcase this beautiful balance of richness and restraint.


💬 Final Thoughts

To season with Lusitano is to honour centuries of Portuguese culture—from Roman gardens and village hearths to ocean voyages and spice markets.

Whether you're crafting a bold Portuguese sausage, a comforting seafood stew, or a simple grilled dish, Lusitano seasoning adds depth, warmth, and history to your table.


🛒 Experience the Flavour

Explore the tradition with artisanal Lusitano blends from The Pinch Lusitano Store — now available for online purchase and delivery across Europe.